Cystic fibrosis is unpredictable and I've found that some of the complications aren't as progressive as the disease.
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Using social media helps me cope with raising a child with cystic fibrosis, but I have to remember that it's not just my story I'm sharing. Here's how I make sure I share the right parts of my son's CF journey.
Running amidst the beauty of the Kansas countryside helps improve my lung function and mood and has even kindled a passion inside me for the environment.
As an adult with cystic fibrosis, I am used to being the patient and having someone take care of me. However, the roles were reversed when my then-fiancé needed surgery. Striking a balance between taking care of him and myself was difficult but necessary.
Taking a step back and taking a break from social media helped me to realize that it's okay to have a definition of health and wellness that looks completely different from anyone else.
Cystic fibrosis has been a challenge to me, but I've been able to blossom nevertheless.
Finding out that I couldn't swim because of the risk of further infections crushed me. It was hard to find a replacement activity that was fulfilling -- until I discovered the thrill of dirt bike racing.
The reward for trying to look your best -- even when you are sick -- shouldn't be people questioning whether you really have a serious illness. People with cystic fibrosis and other chronic illnesses need support and kindness, not second guessing.
Having cystic fibrosis means that hospitalizations are nothing new to me. But as I get older, I am much more aware of all the events I'm missing out on — birthdays, concerts, and school field trips. So this fall, I decided to take my life back from cystic fibrosis.
Growing up with CF was hard, but my parents helped me learn how to cope by both encouraging me to fight and allowing me space to complain.